Master of Divinity (MDiv) Program

Delivered at our beautiful 13-acre campus in the East Liberty/Highland Park neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity (MDiv) program prepares men and women as pastor-theologians to provide theologically informed pastoral leadership to various ministries in the Church.

Students who enroll in our Master of Divinity (MDiv) program are immersed in fieldwork during their second year, where they get experience in highlighting the Church’s responsibility to the world at hospitals, nonprofits, special agencies and churches (urban, suburban, and rural).

With the largest theological library in the tri-state area and our low student-to-faculty ratio, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary offers an unmatched amount of resources for students to research and explore on their journey to a rewarding and fulfilling career.

Our 111 credit-hour program (equivalent to 74 semester credits) can be taken either part or full time with day and evening classes available.

Students who graduate from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary pursue a wide variety of creative ministries in the Church, parachurch, and professional settings.

A perfect location for students from Western Pennsylvania towns such as Pittsburgh, Indiana, and Washington, Pa., Pittsburgh Theological Seminary also serves students from Warren, Johnstown, Altoona, and other eastern Pennsylvania cities, as well as students from 29 states and five countries including Korea, Scotland, Egypt, Canada, and Malaysia.

In addition to our Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, you may also want to take a look at our Master of Arts or Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry programs which are designed to serve those seeking ministry opportunities in churches, non-profit organizations, and other vocational settings or just desire engage seriously in theological studies at the graduate level for personal and professional development.

MDiv Program Requirements

One biblical language; two biblical languages for Presbyterian Church (USA) students

Field Education

English Bible Content Examination

Student Learning Outcomes

The purpose of the M.Div. program at PTS is to form theologically reflective leaders with the habits, skills and knowledge to lead Christian communities as they participate in the gracious life and mission of the Triune God.

Outcomes

Demonstrate the capacity to interpret the Bible as Christian Scripture.

Demonstrate the capacity to integrate the knowledge of Christian history and theology with the life of the church in the world.

Demonstrate the capacity to exegete and interpret the church’s various contexts as the location of God’s mission.

Demonstrate the capacity to reflect theologically on cultural, social, and ethical issues and how they shape the life of the church.

Demonstrate a practical knowledge of and ongoing participation in the habits and practices of personal and corporate Christian piety.

Demonstrate the capacity to communicate the relevance of these habits and practices for the church’s witness to the Reign of God.

Demonstrate the capacity to perform the tasks of pastoral leadership, including (but not limited to) pastoral care, preaching, and teaching.

Demonstrate the capacity to facilitate habits and practices of communal discernment.

MDiv Program Curriculum Sequence

Courses are generally three credit hours. When followed on a full-time basis (12-13 credits), the program is completed in three academic years. Student pastors are encouraged to spread their degree work over four academic years.

“My time spent at Pittsburgh Seminary prepared me for the myriad vocational challenges of ministry, inextricably linking together components of head and heart ‘education.’ I learned the significance of responsible exegesis of biblical texts, the necessity of nurturing the devotional life, and the importance of hearing various voices to better understand theological viewpoints within the richness of diverse Christian community.”

The Rev. Michelle Wahila '05
MDiv Program Alumna
Associate Pastor, The American Church in Paris

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